Carnival Cruise

New fees will add to the cost of a Carnival cruise in 2025.

In addition to cruise fares, passengers are responsible for gratuities, port fees, and taxes. Combined, they can easily add another $170+ to your total cost. 

However, many ports are increasing their tourist tax to combat over-tourism and alleviate the environmental and social impacts. This is something that neither Carnival nor other cruise lines have any control over. 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival are two of the most popular cruise lines in operation with, collectively, over 50 ships at sea. Though I've been sailing with Royal Caribbean since I was 10, I recently began my journey with Carnival to explore why the "FUN" ship brand attracts millions of passengers annually.

Both lines offer unique experiences and cater to different styles of cruising. Royal Caribbean, for example, is known for its innovative and jam-packed ships. 

For years, I avoided Carnival Cruise Line like the plague. 

The popular cruise line has been subject to negative stereotypes, especially compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean. Some even refer to it as the "Walmart of the Seas." 

Carnival is often associated with lower-quality food, rowdier crowds, and dirty ships (remember the infamous "poop cruise" incident of 2012?). 

I took a 5-night cruise onboard Carnival Elation, Carnival's smallest ship at sea. 

After cruising on three other classes of ships, I wanted to see what made their Fantasy Class ships so appealing, especially considering they're rather tiny in terms of modern-day cruise ships. Plus, I was interested in sailing out of Jacksonville, as it's just a little over five hours from Charlotte, North Carolina, making it an easy port to access. 

Whether you want to try your luck at a slot machine, play a round of roulette, or test your Blackjack skills, the casino on Carnival ships has always been a central entertainment hub for many guests. 

However, Carnival Cruise Line decided to ban a common onboard activity that had been a favorite for some cruisers: cash games outside the casino. 

Carnival Cruise Line is not only one of the most popular cruise lines in the industry, but it’s also one of the most affordable. With plenty of complimentary dining options, exciting entertainment each evening, and onboard thrills for the whole family, the fun begins the moment you step onboard.

This past fall, I had the opportunity to sail on my first Carnival Cruise. After being a loyal Norwegian Cruise Line passenger with nine cruises under my belt, I was curious to see how the popular Carnival Cruise Line would compare to the Norwegian brand I know so well. 

Guy Fieri is best known for his hit Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, but the celebrity chef’s accomplishments extend well beyond the “Triple D” series. Ask any fan of Carnival Cruise Line, and you’re likely to hear high praises of Fieri’s iconic restaurants onboard nearly every ship in the cruise line’s fleet.

Three major have announced significant changes to their drink packages which will cost passengers more money. 

Though these adjustments aim to streamline the beverage experience, prioritize safety, and improve overall service, they reflect an industry-wide trend toward higher cruise costs. 

The changes affect passengers sailing with Norwegian, MSC, and Carnival, with some cruisers likely to pay an additional $80 or more for drink packages on a 7-night cruise in 2025.